Israel targets Syrian artillery after incoming mortar fire
Israel fired at a Syrian artillery position on Monday after a mortar round fell close to the Israeli-occupied sector of the Golan Heights, the army said.
Security
Merkel: Bad Iran deal better than no deal
‘I can understand the great concern in Israel about what Iran is doing. We just have different opinions over the question of how best to eradicate the threat,’ German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in an interview aired Sunday on Channel 10 News.
Suspect in Waffle House shooting arrested by Secret Service near White House in 2017
The suspect in the shooting at a Nashville-area Waffle House was arrested by the U.S. Secret Service last year for being in a restricted area outside the White House, law enforcement said Sunday.
Nicaragua revokes pension law that sparked violent protests
Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega on Sunday decided to cancel planned changes to the Central American country’s pension system that have triggered violent protests.
Ahead of Border Protests, IDF Drops Leaflets Warning Gazans: ‘Hamas Endangers Your Lives’
In preparation for the expected protests and riots along the border between Israel and Gaza, the IDF dropped leaflets in Gaza on Friday morning warning residents of the Gaza Strip against trying to use violence against Israeli civilians and soldiers, as well as to damage, cross or even come near the border fence.
Bolton meets with Russia’s ambassador at the White House over election meddling, Syria
New White House national security adviser John Bolton held a surprise meeting with Russia’s ambassador at the White House Thursday amid high tensions between the two nations, telling Moscow’s diplomat that relations won’t improve until the Kremlin addresses Russia’s interference in the 2016 election and other crises.
Justice Dept. heads off subpoena, gives Comey memos to Congress
The Justice Department on Thursday sent Congress copies of the memos that former FBI Director James B. Comey wrote on his interactions with President Trump, moving to head off a looming subpoena from Capitol Hill.
‘We are watching you’: Political killings shake Mexico election
An explosion of political assassinations in Mexico has cast a pall over nationwide elections slated for July 1, when voters will choose their next president and fill a slew of down-ballot posts.
Turkey’s Erdogan declares early elections on June 24
President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called snap elections for June 24, saying economic challenges and the war in Syria meant Turkey must switch quickly to the powerful executive presidency that goes into effect after the vote.
China’s One Belt One Road economic investment also expands military footprint
China is using its $1 trillion-plus investment initiative in infrastructure projects as a way to expand its military footprint, projecting power and influence around the globe from the Horn of Africa into the Middle East and South Asia, says a report released this week.
Syria: Chemical weapons experts await UN security team clearance to enter Douma
Syria’s UN ambassador told the United Nations Security Council Tuesday that a UN security team traveled to the town of Douma, outside the capital Damascus, to ascertain whether it was safe for global chemical weapons experts to visit the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack last week that killed dozens.
Russia Sees No Need for U.N. Inquiry Into Syria Toxic Gas Attacks
Russia told the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday there was no point establishing a new inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria because the United States and its allies had already acted as judge and executioner.
Jailed Chinese pastor’s US family seeks mercy
The Rev. John Sanqiang Cao paid no more than three dollars for the trip that would end up costing him his freedom.
US to Hit Russia With New Sanctions for Aiding Syria’s Assad
President Donald Trump on Sunday defended his use of the phrase ‘Mission Accomplished’ to describe a U.S.-led missile attack on Syria’s chemical weapons program, even as his aides stressed continuing U.S. troop involvement and plans for new economic sanctions against Russia for enabling the government of Bashar Assad.
Palestinian Authority FM says Arab states will block Israel Security Council bid
A campaign by Arab states to block Israel’s bid for a Security Council seat has gained support weeks ahead of a scheduled UN vote, the Palestinian Authority foreign minister said Thursday.
Trump weighs Syria options, Russia envoy says he ‘cannot exclude’ war
President Donald Trump and his national security aides on Thursday discussed U.S. options on Syria, where he has threatened missile strikes in response to a suspected poison gas attack, as a Russian envoy voiced fears of wider conflict between Washington and Moscow.
Trump meets with national security team as Britain joins U.S., France in planning Syria strike
President Trump huddled with his national security team Thursday amid mounting speculation of a military attack in response to Syria’s suspected use of chemical weapons, while Britain’s Cabinet gave the green light to join the U.S. and France in planning a strike.
UN chief says Security Council must prevent Syria ‘spiraling out of control’
The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday voiced concern to the Security Council’s five permanent members over the ‘impasse’ on Syria, stressing ‘the need to avoid the situation spiraling out of control.’
Report: 80% of Palestinians killed in Gaza border crisis were ‘terrorists’
Around 80% of the 32 Palestinians killed by the IDF during the ongoing Gaza border crisis were terrorist operatives or identified with terrorist organizations, an intelligence report asserts.
After landslide re-election win, Hungary’s Orban takes aim at Soros
Having easily won re-election to a third term and clinching a two-thirds parliamentary majority for his ruling Fidesz party, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to crack down on liberal nongovernmental organizations.